Amarillo Venom capture Lone Star Football League championship

Amarillo wide receiver DuVaughn Flagler gets loose against Rio Grande Valley in the first quarter in Saturday's Lone Star Football League Championship game at Foster Communications Coliseum in San Angelo. The Venom won, 62-40.

Amarillo wide receiver DuVaughn Flagler gets loose against Rio Grande Valley in the first quarter in Saturday's Lone Star Football League Championship game at Foster Communications Coliseum in San Angelo. The Venom won, 62-40.

The Venom, 2-3 at one point in the season, have reason to go home and celebrate as Amarillo knocked off the Rio Grande Valley Magic, 62-40, in the Lone Star Football League title game before an estimated 500 fans at Foster Communications Coliseum.

Amarillo now has two indoor football league championships that head coach Julian Reese has had a hand in — Reese was the quarterback in 2004 when the former Amarillo Dusters won the Intense Football League title and has a championship in his first full season as a head coach.

“This is the best feeling in the world. To be a coach, that is something totally different than being a player,” said Reese, whose team finished the season with seven straight wins. “The guys trust in you as a coach and trust in your coaching staff.

“I’m just happy for the guys ... like (quarterback) Nate (Davis), who came in here and did what he did as a leader. I’m proud for the older guys that came back and told me they wanted to help me out even though they had better opportunities. I’m just so proud of all of them.”

The Venom had reason for pride in wide receiver Raymond Johnson — the championship game MVP with eight catches for 154 yards and three touchdowns, including a catch over the wall in the fourth quarter.

“Man, this is so satisfying,” said Johnson, nicknamed “Nelly” for his resemblance to the famous rapper. “I wanted to do something to help this team all season, and I was able to come through tonight. I was just able to use my speed and was able to become a factor.”

Amarillo took control in the second half, outscoring RGV 40-20 to break open a 22-20 halftime advantage.

Davis, who joined the Venom in midseason, finished 19-of-38 for 301 yards for seven touchdowns and also added a 2-yard touchdown run.

“We didn’t get to warm up before the game,” Davis said. “That may have had something to do with our slow start (on offense). We came out in the second half and wanted to get something going.

“Raymond had a great game, and that is something that he is always capable of doing. This team really put it together in the middle of the season, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Amarillo intercepted RGV quarterback Billy Garza three times, including one by defensive back Rashaun Jones, who joined Amarillo with good friend David Irizarry from RGV during the season.

“This is sweet, sweet, sweet,” Jones said. “I’ve got tears of joy. I can’t shed tears right now, but on the inside I’m crying because it is so sweet.”

Amarillo 62, Rio Grande Valley 40

■ Records: The Venom end the season 10-4. The Magic end the season 7-7.

■ Noteworthy: Amarillo wins the first Lone Star Football League title and its second indoor football championship (2004).

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When I heard this game was being played in San Angelo, I said they will be lucky to have 500 fans there. Well thats it they had 500 heck they could of played in front of 3 to 5 k in Amarillo and made revenue.

Well anyway Big Congrats on turning it around and having a great season,,, great team, coach and owners.

Talk about a team effort! And by team I mean players, coaches, owners, support staff and everyone associated with the Venom. The owners and coaches recognized weaknesses in Venom play and managed to find top caliber players to fill the voids at quarterback, kicker and secondary. Once all those pieces were in place the winning started. Even more importantly, the existing team embraced the newcomers and made them part of their team. Way to go for everyone involved!